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PLANNING PROCESS FOR THE DESIGN OF INTEGRATED FIXED-AND FLEXIBLE-ROUTE BUS SERVICE IN ROCHESTER

Demond-responsive transportation is an accepted form of transportation in small and medium-size cities. However, as these types of systems are introduced into larger urban areas that already have fixed-route services, the systems and the preceding planning process necessarily become more complex. This paper describes the planning process that was used in the design of an integrated fixed- and flexible-route system in one suburb of Rochester, New York. The system is one component of a federal demonstration project designed to evaluate the feasibility of such systems in major metropolitan areas. A description is given of the planning approach taken and the methodologies and analyses used. The use of a simulation model to determine the extent of the dial-a-bus service area in the suburban and a logit model to predict the expected demand for such service is described. In addition, the methodology developed for the system integration design, i.e., the combination and coordination of existing bus service with flexible-route services, is explained. Provision of opportunities for public involvement during the planning process is also described. /Author/